Matchbox



Nov. 25,

s B. JOHNSON MATCHBOX Filed June '25. 1923 Patented Nov. 25, 1$24m siasia SADIE B. JOHNSON, OF HOLT, ALABAMA.

MATCHBOX.

Application filed June 25,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAME B. JOHNSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Holt, in the county of Tuscaloosa and State of Alabama, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Matchboxes, of which the following is a specification.

The invention comprises certain new and useful features not embodied in other containers of this character, one of which features consists of an improvement whereby partially ejected matches are returned to the magazine unless they are removed by the operator. It is also impossible for a match to be accidentally discharged from the chamber.

A further object is to provide a device which may be constructed at a very small cost, will not readily get out of order, and in which all moving parts can be readily replaced. With these and other objects in view, this invention resides in the combination, construction, operation, and arrangement of parts, and will be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawing and description, in which:

Fig. I is an isometric view.

Fig. II is a plan view of the box.

Fig. III, a vertical section of Fig. II.

Referring to the drawing more specifically with reference to its numerals:

1 is the magazine, so constructed that only one match at a time may enter it. 2 is the ejector. 3 is the handle of the ejector. 1, a spring member, adapted to return the ejector handle to a neutral position. 5, bolt or screw to fasten the spring-member 4 to the body of the box. 6, means to fasten the ejector handle to the box. 7 is a perforated member which prevents the accidental discharge of the match in the magazine. 8 is a resilient member which will automatically return partially ejected matches to the magazine, unless they are extracted by the operator. 9 is the aperture or means of egress in the magazine. 10 is a false bottom extending nearly across the main bottom 11. 11 is the main bottom of the box. 12 is a means to fasten the ejecting member 2 to the handle 3. 13 is an aperture at the point where the ejector enters the magazine, and which forms a bearing for the ejector.

The device operates as follows: It is oblsaa. Serial no. 647,606.

vious that so long as there are matches in the box they will readily find their way to the magazine. A slight pressure upon the ejector handle will cause the match in the magazine to be propelled into and through the aperture at the point of egress, and against the rebufiing member 8. Member 8 being resilient will allow the match to protrude but not to be entirely ejected unless removed by hand. At thi point, if the pressure on the handle is released the match will be returned to its position in the magazine by member 8.

The spring-member 4 will return the plunger and handle to neutral position as soon as the pressure on the handle is released.

From the foregoing description, together with the drawing and other claims appended it is obvious that the structure disclosed is susceptible of many permutations and combinations, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It is also clear that this device will be useful whereever it is desired to dispense articles other than matches in substantially the same way.

What is claimed is:

1. In a matchbox of the character described, a false bottom rigidly attached to the bottom and one side of said box extending nearly to the opposite side thereof, a groove between the false bottom and said opposite side forming a magazine, an opening in one end of said box in line with said magazine, an opening at the opposite extremity of said magazine and in line there with, an ejecting member slidably arranged in the opening last aforesaid, means for projecting said ejecting member into the magazine, a spring-member attached to the means last aforesaid, means for attaching said springmember to the box, said springmember arranged to automatically return the ejecting member to a neutral position when not in operation, and means comprising a flexible band for automatically returning partially ejected matches to the container when the ejecting member is released.

2. In a matchbox, a false bottom extending partially across the bottom of said box. a groove between said false bottom and one side of the box forming a magazine, a means of egress provided at one extremity of said magazine, a slot at the opposite extremity forming a bearing, an ejector slidabiy arranged in said bearing, means for projecting said ejector into said magazine, means for returning said ejector into neutral position, and a means comprising a flexible resilient band connected at both ends to said box for returning partially ejected matches to the magazine.

In Witness whereof, I attach my signature, in the presence of two Witnesses.

SADIE B. JOHNSON. Witnesses LULA PEARL JoHNsoN, F. WV. MEADOW. 

